Leveling system

[Big Bill]

I have a 2010 Montana 3665RE 5th wheel. I would like to install a leveling system. My local RV dealer reccomended the Lippert 6 point leveling system. I contacted Keystone and their rep said not to install any leveling system as they would warp the frame. I've read on this and other forums where many people have installed either the Level Up or Bigfoot systems on their 5th wheels. Does anyone have experience using one on a Montana 36 foot 5th wheel? Thanks...

Big Bill
2010 Montana 3665RE
2009 Dodge Ram 3500 dually

[Roam America]

If the manufacturer says do not do it, I wouldn't even consider pursuing it any further. The manufacturer would have better knowledge of how it might impact your coach than a dealer.

[asuperheat]

I have one on my voltage and realy don't see how it could warp the frame. That being said it is a toy hauler so the frame is stronger than a regular 5th. The onlything I can think of is maybe the back half of the frame is realy light and could not support the stress of the jacks. The electric level up operates 2 jacks at a time front/back, side/side while leveling once they are grounded. when level the middle jacks stablize.

The landing gear is clearly strong enough to lift the 5th wheel without warping the frame.Must be the back. Probably could reinforce the frame if there is worry of damage but that adds weight also.

[TEAMTJ]

Your Montana has a Lippert frame. The Level Up system is also made by Lippert. If you want to pursue the issue, call Lippert and ask if it will void the frame warranty.

[greyt-parent]

Just a thought; Lippert makes frames for many RV manufactures, but to the individual specifications written by the RV manufacturer. If the RV manufacturer has said that the frame can not withstand the stresses of a leveling system, I would be inclined to listen to them. If Keystone says no, but Lippert says yes, who will be honoring the warranty on your RV if there are issues? Lippert, I think not.

Our Big Foot system allows you to raise a single leg, but recommends doing a pair at a time to prevent undo stress. Since the RV manufacturer cannot control how the levelling system will be used, they of course, are taking the conservative approach.

During a normal setup, the Big Foot first lowers the front legs and then adjusts the fronts to acheive side to side level. It then lowers the rears to achieve front-to-back level , and then each rear leg to get the back level side to side. In that process, it is adjusting one leg at a time. Even this minor torquing to the frame imposes stress that the RV manufacturer may not feel that the frame is able to tolerate.